*'''1''': [http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/definitions.htm Oceanography Defined] The four branches of Oceanography, as defined by Texas A&M University.

*'''1''': [http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/definitions.htm Oceanography Defined] The four branches of Oceanography, as defined by Texas A&M University.

*'''2,5''': [http://www.seafriends.org.nz/oceano/seawater.htm Composition of Seawater] - Excellent site for requirements 2 and 5. It gives much detailed information about the oceans including the percentage of elements present in water, salinity/salts, density, dissolved gases, temperature, nutrients, and underwater photosynthesis.

*'''2,5''': [http://www.seafriends.org.nz/oceano/seawater.htm Composition of Seawater] - Excellent site for requirements 2 and 5. It gives much detailed information about the oceans including the percentage of elements present in water, salinity/salts, density, dissolved gases, temperature, nutrients, and underwater photosynthesis.

*'''4''': [http://www.mos.org/oceans/planet/features.html Physical Features of the Ocean]

*'''4''': [http://www.mos.org/oceans/planet/features.html Physical Features of the Ocean]

*'''6''': [http://kingfish.coastal.edu/biology/sgilman/770PlanktonBenthos.htm Plankton and the Benthos: From Top to Bottom] - Good resource for requirement 6. Provides detailed information on the Plankton and Benthos marine groups.

*'''6''': [http://kingfish.coastal.edu/biology/sgilman/770PlanktonBenthos.htm Plankton and the Benthos: From Top to Bottom] - Good resource for requirement 6. Provides detailed information on the Plankton and Benthos marine groups.

Contents

The oceans cover more than 70 percent of our planet and are the dominant feature of Earth. Wherever you live, the oceans influence the weather, the soil, the air, and the geography of your community. To study the oceans is to study Earth itself.

Oceanography requirements

Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons why it is important for people to learn about the oceans.

Define salinity, temperature, and density, and describe how these important properties of seawater are measured by the physical oceanographer. Discuss the circulation and currents of the ocean. Describe the effects of the oceans on weather and climate.

Describe the characteristics of ocean waves. Point out the differences among the storm surge, tsunami, tidal wave, and tidal bore. Explain the difference between sea, swell, and surf. Explain how breakers are formed.

Draw a cross-section of underwater topography. Show what is meant by:

a. Continental shelf

b. Continental slope

c. Abyssal plain

Name and put on your drawing the following: seamount, guyot, rift valley, canyon, trench, and oceanic ridge. Compare the depths in the oceans with the heights of mountains on land.

List the main salts, gases, and nutrients in sea water. Describe some important properties of water. Tell how the animals and plants of the ocean affect the chemical composition of seawater. Explain how differences in evaporation and precipitation affect the salt content of the oceans.

Describe some of the biologically important properties of seawater. Define benthos, nekton, and plankton. Name some of the plants and animals that make up each of these groups. Describe the place and importance of phytoplankton in the oceanic food chain.

Do ONE of the following:

a. Make a plankton net. Tow the net by a dock, wade with it, hold it in a current, or tow it from a rowboat.* Do this for about 20 minutes. Save the sample. Examine it under a microscope or high-power glass. Identify the three most common types of plankton in the sample.

May be done in lakes or streams.

b. Make a series of models (clay or plaster and wood) of a volcanic island. Show the growth of an atoll from a fringing reef through a barrier reef. Describe the Darwinian theory of coral reef formation.

c. Measure the water temperature at the surface, midwater, and bottom of a body of water four times daily for five consecutive days. You may measure depth with a rock tied to a line. Make a Secchi disk to measure turbidity (how much suspended sedimentation is in the water). Measure the air temperature. Note the cloud cover and roughness of the water. Show your findings (air and water temperature, turbidity) on a graph. Tell how the water temperature changes with air temperature.

d. Make a model showing the inshore sediment movement by littoral currents, tidal movement, and wave action. Include such formations as high and low waterlines, low tide terrace, berm, and coastal cliffs. Show how the offshore bars are built up and torn down.

e. Make a wave generator. Show reflection and refraction of waves. Show how groins, jetties, and breakwaters affect these patterns.

f. Track and monitor satellite images available on the Internet for a specific location for three weeks. Describe what you have learned to your counselor.

Do ONE of the following:

a. Write a 500-word report on a book about oceanography approved by your counselor.

b. Visit one of the following:

1. Oceanographic research ship

2. Oceanographic institute, marine laboratory, or marine aquarium

Write a 500-word report about your visit.

c. Explain to your troop in a five minute prepared speech "Why Oceanography Is Important" or describe "Career Opportunities in Oceanography." (Before making your speech, show your speech outline to your counselor for approval.)

Describe four methods that marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology, and organisms living in the water.

Requirement resources

2,5: Composition of Seawater - Excellent site for requirements 2 and 5. It gives much detailed information about the oceans including the percentage of elements present in water, salinity/salts, density, dissolved gases, temperature, nutrients, and underwater photosynthesis.

External links

University of West Florida - One of the leading universities in marine science. Offers undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology, Maritime Studies, and Oceanography; graduate degrees in Biology including specializations in Marine Biology and Coastal Zones.

Texas A & M - One of the largest and most well-known universities that offers degrees and conducts research in the fields of marine science. Offers undergraduate degrees in Ocean Engineering and Biology and minors in Oceanography; graduate degrees in Water Management and Hydrological Science, Fisheries Science, Ocean Engineering, Oceanography, and Biology. It also has a special branch in Galveston, TX that is specifically devoted to the marine sciences.